3 Factors Affecting a Child Custody Ruling: What Parents Need to Know

As a couple with children who plans to separate, an option to consider is appealing for child custody. Each parent may want to have the full custody of their children, but it’s the court that decides what the better choice is for the children involved.

Couples seek legal assistance to be granted of child custody, and they trust lawyers with a proven track record. The Burnham Law Firm, P.C. explains that family law and its provisions could be confusing, so a child custody lawyer makes it easier for any parent to understand what a custody entails.

The court goes through every detail to determine what would be in the child’s best interests. Here are some factors affecting child custody:

The main caretaker

An important factor in granting child custody is recognizing the main caretaker of the child. This should be the parent who does most of the childcare duties, such as feeding, bathing, preparing meals, taking the child to school, etc. Aside from childcare duties, this parent may be the closest one to the child because of their emotional connection.

In evaluating a child custody case, the court considers who the main caretaker is. This is to help the child adjust easier after the parents are separated.

The health aspects

The court analyzes the health of both parents before giving the ruling. This is crucial because any health-related problem can lessen a parent’s chances of being granted child custody. Serious health conditions can negatively affect parenting capabilities, so the court carefully considers this factor.

The court checks the physical and mental health aspects of both parents. If one parent struggles with one or both aspects, chances are the court will put a greater trust in the other parent for custody.

Parent-child relationship

Another factor in the court ruling is the relationship of the child to their parents. The child may have a stronger emotional bond with one of them. Also, the child may be comfortable in the presence of one parent, but uneasy with the other. The parent-child relationship is another critical factor that the court considers when making a custody ruling.

If the child is old enough to express their choice, the court asks for that opinion. The willingness of the child to be with one of the parents will also affect the child custody ruling.

Both parents need to prove their capability and commitment to providing a loving and good environment for the child. This involves different factors, which the court assesses thoroughly. In the end, the court will decide on the child custody ruling that will be the most beneficial to help the child grow up in a positive setting.